Rob Cross Defends Luke Littler After Fiery Clash, Draws Phil Taylor Comparison
Rob Cross, the 2018 PDC World Champion, staunchly defended Luke Littler following a heated altercation with Ricardo Pietreczko at the Belgian Darts Masters in March 2024, comparing Littler’s raw talent to that of darts legend Phil Taylor. The incident, detailed by Express.co.uk, occurred after Littler’s 7-3 semi-final win over Pietreczko, who was incensed by Littler’s audacious attempt at a 147 checkout (treble 20, treble 15, double 12). Pietreczko confronted Littler, bellowing in his face and later branding him “arrogant” on social media, writing, “I really appreciate the fact that he can play a game like that at such an age, but I hope his arrogance punishes him.”[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1877415/rob-cross-luke-littler-phil-taylor-darts)
Cross, speaking to Express.co.uk, dismissed Pietreczko’s outburst, praising Littler’s flamboyant style. “Luke’s got that raw ability, like Phil Taylor had. He should be allowed to play his game without this backlash,” Cross said, likening Littler’s flair to Taylor’s dominance, who won 16 world titles. Cross, who faced Littler in the Belgian final, lost 8-7 after Littler hit a nine-darter, reinforcing his prodigious talent. Cross added, “He’s backing up the hype with results. Let him be himself.” Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle echoed this, criticizing Pietreczko on X: “Pull one of us ‘old school’ players up like that, you won’t do it again.”[
The row highlighted Littler’s polarizing presence at 17, with his bold celebrations and confidence drawing both admiration and ire. Cross, who stunned Taylor in the 2018 World Championship final, sees parallels in Littler’s ability to handle pressure, noting his 106 average against him. Littler’s 2024 run included a World Championship final loss to Luke Humphries, but by 2025, he clinched the title, cementing his status. As Littler and Cross prepare for the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt (June 12-15), Cross’s support underscores his belief in Littler’s potential to emulate Taylor’s legacy, despite early career controversies.
